Detroit, United States of America. During this evening there will be a concert at the Masonic Temple in Detroit. In the ambient of the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Wallace Roney has performed on December 30 in the Chapel of the Knights Templar.

This evening at the Masonic Temple will perform Maze, Frankie Beverly and other special guests. Freemasons worldwide already are preparing to celebrate the new year in the hope that it will be a more prosperous one and peaceful throughout the world.

Bucharest, Romania. According to APMR's Annual Report 1 million unique visitors were registered until 31 December 2011. APMR's Secretariat of Communications Technology and Informatics (SeCTI) announced today that on December 31, 2011, the network of the Masonic Press Agency of Romania recorded 1 million unique visitors.

Bucharest, Romania. According to a survey conducted by APMR on the "United States of Europe", 82% of respondents said they agree with the statement that "On the U.S. model will arise the United States of Europe".

9% did not agree, 6% answered that it is possible to accept the statement, and 1% said they did not know whether or not they agree with this statement.

Bucharest, Romania. According to a statement issued by the Secretariat General during the day of 30 December 2011 APMR will not allow anymore to "Tektonismos" editor and ΕΠΤΕ to take materials and information published on the portals of the Masonic Press Agency of Romania. The decision comes as a result of failing to comply with the redistribution of information provided by APMR.

Santiago, Chile. The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Chile made ​​an official visit to the Supreme Court, where he had a meeting with the President of the Supreme Court, Milton Juice. The Grand Master congratulated Juice for his appointment and handed him the Grand Lodge commemorative plaque.

Iquitos, Peru. From January 4 to 6, 2012 will be held the first meeting of the Amazon Grand Lodges, hosted by the Grand Lodge of Peru. The event will be attended by Grand Lodges and Lodges from Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela and French Guiana (French territory).

Goiânia, Brazil. The Governor of the State of Goias, Marconi Perillo invited the Grand Masters and their wives to a dinner on 22 December 2011. The Governor thanked for the support received during the campaign and for the support for his projects in 2012.

Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Conductor Gian Luigi Zampieri led Ribeirão Preto Symphony Orchestra during a Christmas concert. This was the first public appearance since taking over the leadership of the orchestra.

The event took place at Pedro II Theatre and the concert was attended by many public figures from the city.

London, United Kingdom. The Freemasons’ Grand Charity of the United Grand Lodge of England has donated in the past two months more than 1 million pounds for charities. 402,000 pounds were donated for medical research, youth and people with different problems.

British Red Cross has received £ 50,000 to fund a first aid unit vehicle in West Wales. Worcester Cathedral has received £ 25,000 to fund an apprentice stonemason. The British Epilepsy Society received £ 38,000 to fund a research project on the genetics of epilepsy, and the University of East Anglia has received £ 50,000 to fund research on urine biomarkers in prostate cancer.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During a simple ceremony, Fernando Nery (lawyer and member of the Progressive Republican Party) was installed as interim Grand Master of Grand Orient of Rio de Janeiro (Grand Orient of Brazil).

Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Gian Luigi Zampieri could become the new director of Ribeirão Preto Symphony Orchestra (Brazil). The famous Italian director, member of the Grand Orient of Italy is considered favorite in the race for the appointment of the new director of Ribeirão Preto Symphony Orchestra.

APMR's Secretary-General congratulates Master Zampieri for its success and will immediately welcome his appointment as director of the Symphony Orchestra, making sure that the Brazilian Brethren will appreciate his work and activity.

Paris, France. The Grand Lodges of Germany, Switzerland (ALPINA), Austria, Luxembourg and Belgium have definitely broken relations with French Regular Freemasonry. According to a joint statement issued by the Grand Lodge on 20 December 2011, they confirm the final withdrawal of recognition given to French Freemasonry.

Immediately after the meeting of the United Grand Lodge of England on 14 December 2011, the Grand Masters met and discussed the French issue. If in October in Berlin it was decided to suspend relations with GLNF, in London in December they decided to break relations definitely with GLNF.

The French National Grand Lodge also lost the recognition of the Grand Orient of the Netherlands, but this does not prevent an escalation of the unprecedented Masonic scandal that has cornered France. Furthermore, GLNF's Grand Master dissolved the Provincial Grand Lodge of French Polynesia on December 15, 2011.

Rome, Italy. Amid the social movements in Italy and the scandal of Freemasonry and the government of Mario Monti, Gustavo Raffi, Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy, participated yesterday in a TV show on Rai 3, presented by Lucia Annunziata. The same discussion was attended by PRI's Secretary (Francesco Nucara), the party that has a long relationship with Freemasonry in Italy.

Silvio Berlusconi said these days that Monti's government will not last. Based on these things and the conflict in the Italian Parliament, Raffi comes to make a note of balance on the scandal involving the Prime Minister of the country.

The central topic of the discussion was that the title of a newspaper: "Too many Freemasons in the government." Nucara tried to explain what was the point of these statements and pointed out that there is no problem for a member to recognize his membership to Freemasonry.

Lucia Annunziata said that reading the last book of Raffi, she believes that in a way it is time that Freemasonry come and help the society currently in need. "Freemasonry can not replace institutions (...)", added Gustavo Raffi. According to Raffi, Freemasonry must focus on culture, think about school, "the school which needs to be regenerated."

However, Gianluca Pini continued to assert that there is a strong link between Freemasons and Opus Dei. "There are forces that come into government, not democratically elected," said Pini, referring to Freemasonry and Opus Dei.

When asked how many Freemasons are in Monti's Government, Raffi and Nucara refused to say how many. Nucara acknowledged however that there are some, but gave no names. "There are more or less Freemasons than in other governments?" Lucia Annunziata asked and Nucara recognized that there are fewer.

London, United Kingdom. On 14 December 2011 was held in London this year's final Quarterly Communication of the United Grand Lodge of England. At the event took part Grand Masters from Romania (Radu Balanescu), Belgium (Eli Peeters), Germany (Rüdiger Templin), Paraguay (Euclides Acevedo), Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria (Nikolaus Schwärzler) etc.

For the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay was a historic moment because Euclides Acevedo's presence at this event ended all misunderstandings regarding the regularity of his Grand Lodge in Paraguay.

Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes began his speech talking about the concept of mentoring: "Mentoring has been high on the agenda for some time and I want to take this opportunity to give clarity and perspective to what we mean by mentoring." Lowndes concluded his speech talking about his recent visits made in New Zealand, in Guayana and the Caribbean and wished all Brethren present a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Belgrade, Serbia. At the invitation of the Duke of Kent, Petar Kostic and Ranko Vujacic represented the Grand Lodge of Serbia in London, where there were a series of talks between Serbian and English Brothers. The Serbian delegation was received by HRH Prince Michael of Kent (Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons), which has expressed his desire to visit Serbia in the near future.

The next day was held a meeting with the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Secretary Nigel Brown and Grand Chancellor Alan Englefield. The Duke of Kent reiterated his desire to visit the Grand Lodge of Serbia.

London, United Kingdom. APMR's Secretariat General informs that on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, the United Grand Lodge of England will held its Quarterly Communication for the last time this year. The event will begin at noon and will be held in Freemasons' Hall in London.

The Closing Banquet will be offered by the Grand Master to all Grand Masters attending the Quarterly Communication. The meeting promises to be important for the Masonic Order in Paraguay. The Masonic Press Agency of Romania will come back with information on the event in London.

La Paz, Bolivia. Mario Cabrera Ruiz was installed on December 10, 2011, as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Bolivia. The installation ceremony took place immediately after the Winter Solstice celebration. The event was attended by several Masonic delegations from South America.

Lima, Peru. The Patriotic Grand Lodge of Peru organizes on December 14, 2011, a conference entitled "Smuggling and migration, the kingdom of the asymmetry." Brother C.L.R. (Worshipful Master of Batallón Zepita Lodge #3) will be the lecturer of the conference.

London, United Kingdom. On the background of the existing problems of Freemasonry in Paraguay in recent years, the letter of 2 December 2011 sent by UGLE's Grand Chancellor comes to end all misunderstandings.

Asuncion, Paraguay. According GLSP's Chancellery, on 14 September 2011 took place an official visit to London, where GLSP's members headed by Brother Raúl Pintos Grassi (President of the Grand Committee on Foreign Relations) were received by Alan Englefield, Grand Chancellor of the United Grand Lodge of England.

GLSP's members explained the current situation of Freemasonry in Paraguay and attended UGLE's Quarterly Communication. The results of the well done work made by the Paraguayan Brothers were immediate. APMR's Secretariat General welcomes the discretion and the finesse of the work done by the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay for an Order of integrity, unity and stability.

Santiago, Chile. The Grand Lodge of Austria (represented by Reinhard Kuhs) paid a working visit to Chile where it was received by the leaders of the Grand Lodge of Chile. The meeting was attended Mario Cabezas Thomas (Grand Treasurer), Alejandro Jara Lazcano (Grand Counsellor for External Relations) and Hiram Torres Vivanco.

Washington, United States of America. At this time began at the Masonic Temple in Washington the funeral of Past Sovereign Grand Commander Fred Kleinknecht 33°. The funeral service is officiated by the Rev. and Brother W. Kenneth Lyons 33°, Grand Chaplain of the Supreme Council.

Bucharest, Romania. "I am outraged and I will punish in an exemplary manner those who have not complied with my directive from a year ago. I will not agree to see APMR as part of this shameful scandal for the Universal Freemasonry," stated not long ago APMR's Secretary-General.

Paris, France. After Alain Bauer, together with a Past Grand Master of the GLdF, tried to intervene in the internal affairs of GLNF (through a letter sent to Alan Englefield), Guy Arcizet accuses Bauer of his inappropriate behavior. Arcizet said to Bauer's action that "You pay too much attention to the United Grand Lodge of England".

Paris, France. The Annual Communication of the French National Grand Lodge was guarded by French police yesterday December 3, 2011. It is an unusual case for a consolidated democracy such as that of France and it seems more like an event from an African country.

Stifani's opponents protested in front of the headquarters during GLNF's Annual Communication with placards, they laid wreaths in protest and chanted against the current Grand Master. This event is unique in France and worldwide. Freemasons from GLNF have complained that Stifani wanted to provide Sarkozy the loyalty of all 43,000 members of the French National Grand Lodge.

Brussels, Belgium. European Union leaders met with the Grand Masters of Europe to discuss about the European future. On 30 November 2011, the European Union held a joint meeting with the Grand Lodges and Grand Orients of Europe to speak about the democracy and prosperity partnership as a form of promotion of democratic rights and freedoms.

The European Union was represented at this meeting by Jose Manuel Barroso (President of the European Commission), Herman Van Rompuy (European Council President), Jerzy Buzek (President of European Parliament) and Laszlo Tokes (Vice President of the European Parliament from Romania).

Romania, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Germany and Greece were represented at the different Masonic delegations. Gustavo Raffi has released an interesting proposal, current and consistent with EU's policies. Raffi has proposed "the establishment for youth of the Pantheon of the New Spring in the Mediterranean".

Washington, United States of America. The Secretariat General of the Masonic Press Agency of Romania announces with sadness the passing of Illustrious Brother Fred C. Kleinknecht, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council Mother of the World. Jurnalul Masonic will dedicate tomorrow's edition entirely to the life of CHRISTIAN FREDERICK KLEINKNECHT, JR., 33°.

The Masonic funeral will take place on December 6, 2011 at the Masonic Temple in Washington, the U.S. capital at 11:00 AM. The funeral service will be officiated by Rev. W. Kenneth Lyons, 33°, Grand Chaplain of the Supreme Council.

New Delhi, India. Last weekend the Grand Lodge of India celebrated 50 years since its founding in 1961. The event was marked by commemorative ceremonies attended by several Masonic delegations. The Grand Lodge of India was founded on November 24, 1961, being the most important Grand Lodge of South Asia.

The most notable presence was that of Brother David Kenneth Williamson (Assistant Grand Master), the representative of the United Grand Lodge of England. Former President of India Abdul Kalam was the guest of honor of the Grand Lodge.

Also attended the event delegates from several European countries and Thomas Jackson, Executive Secretary of the World Conference of Regular Grand Lodges. Brother ASUDEO J. MASUREKAR was elected Grand Master.

With the occasion of the jubilee was launched a commemorative stamp with Masonic elements. APMR remember that the next World Conference will be organized by the Grand Lodge of India, and in 2014 by the National Grand Lodge of Romania.

Paris, France. On december3rd, will take place the Annual Communication of the French National Grand Lodge. Amid scandal and internal division, several Grand Lodges withdrew recognition in recent months given to the GLNF, the last of which is the Grand Lodge of Lithuania, as shown in the communiqué issued by Brother Žygintas Būčys, Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge of Lithuania. Despite this, internal war continued in the letter issued by several Provincial Grand Masters Provincial who have "asked" to all the Grand Masters invited to not attend the invitation.

The state of uncertainty was fueled by a letter sent recently to the United Grand Lodge of England, by Alain Bauer (former Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France, currently Nicolas Sarkozy's advisor), Michel Barat (former Grand Master of GLdF) and Roger Dachez (President of the Masonic Institute of France) in which they are asking Alan Englefield (UGLE's Grand Chancellor) to put an end to the situation in France.

This document can be seen as an interference of the two Masonic Obediences in the internal affairs of the French National Grand Lodge. APMR recalls that the Grand Lodges of Africa this year signed a document in which pledged to support GLNF.

Managua, Nicaragua. As of 30 November and until 3 December 2011, the Supreme Council of Nicaragua celebrates its Golden Jubilee. The event is supported by the Grand Lodge of Nicaragua, led by Grand Master Juan Jose Medina Vargas.

Roberto Jose HernandezSovereign Grand Commander

The Supreme Council of Nicaragua was founded in 1961 and is recognized by the Supreme Councils affiliated to the Supreme Council of Southern jurisdiction of the United States. During this evening the Sovereign Grand Commander will offer to the delegations present at the event a cocktail, followed tomorrow, December 1st by the anniversary program started with a 33 Degree Masonic meeting.

London, United Kingdom. The University of Cambridge has received in 2010 £100.000 from the charity fund of the Freemasons of the United Grand Lodge of England. On November 14, 2011 it was announced a major success in the research of a new drug (alemtuzumab). The drug is designed to help people suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Los Angeles, United States of America. UCLA will host on December 3, 2011, an international conference on Latin American and American Freemasonry. The conference will be led by two women: Margaret C. Jacob and Eugenia María Vázquez Semadeni.

Margaret C. Jacob is a history professor at UCLA and one of the most renowned scholars on Freemasonry in the world specialized in the history of Freemasonry. María Eugenia Vázquez Semadeni is a specialist in Mexican political culture of the nineteenth century and in the history of Freemasonry. She is also one of the founders of the Center for Studies on the History of Freemasonry in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Madrid, Spain. On October 18 signed a cooperation agreement between the Grand Lodge of Spain and the Ministry of Culture was signed. Through this agreement both institutions are committed to preserving and promoting historical Masonic documents in Spain. Also the Spanish Government recognizes that the Grand Lodge of Spain is the heir of the traditional Freemasonry in the Spanish Kingdom.

Florence, Italy. "Lino Salvini" Studies Institute was founded in Italy. One of the most famous Grand Masters of the Grand Orient of Italy is Lino Salvini. The Institute that bears his name today was founded by Gaetano Tucci and is led by President Giancarlo Domenichini.

Salvini became Worshipful Master of the La Concordia Lodge in 1962 and led for nine years the Grand Orient of Italy as Grand Master (1970-1979). The Institute aims to promote cultural and social initiatives with the aim of disclosure the principles that inspire man to improve himself and his fellows.

Bucharest, Romania. Today at 18:00 o'clock, November 25th, 2011, at the Gaudeamus International Fair will be launched latest edition of the comic book "Tin Tin on the Moon." The event will take place at the 201 stand of the Central Pavilion of Romexpo.

Brother Dumitru Prunariu (Member of the Order of the Templar, York Rite and of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite) will officially launch the book. He is the first Romanian astronaut, former Ambassador of Romania in the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space at the UN.

APMR recalls that GLNF is a full member of the Inter-American Masonic Confederation, part of Zone 2 with the Grand Orient of Haiti, the Grand Lodge of the Dominican Republic, the Grand Lodge of Puerto Rico and the Grand Lodge of Cuba.

Tijuana, Mexico. In the past three days Mexico hosted the biggest Masonic event of the end of this year. On the first day of work and according to the protocol, were presented the messages of the civil authorities and leaders of all the Masonic bodies present at the event. Were also established the round tables. According to the official agenda, were discussed topics such as democratic development, social solidarity, social progress, social justice, the secular and social security.

In an exclusive interview with the Masonic Press Agency of Romania, the Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge of Baja California, Brother Miguel Carreño Bahena, spoke about the importance of the symbolism of this event and the importance for all Freemasons of belonging to a Regular Grand Lodge recognized as such in all Masonic organizations and forums, including the World Conference of Regular Grand Lodges. APMR points out that the Grand Lodge of Baja California signed this year in Bucharest a Treaty of Recognition with the National Grand Lodge of Romania (MLNR) headed by Most Worshipful Grand Master Radu Balanescu.

In the same interview the Grand Secretary spoke about the universality of the of the topics discussed by the Grand Master and the fact that justice and social security are things that Freemasonry has always sought to improve.

Miguel Bahena Carreño pointed out that the preparatory meeting for the 2012 General Assembly to be held in Brazil was successful. All subjects were carefully reviewed and adopted by the Grand Lodges present, respecting the sovereignty and independence of each member. Finally, he defined the IMC as a "society builder."

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION 2.0

NEWSLETTER

IN MEMORIAM Alicia TOYOS

EXCLUSIVE | Interview with the first (woman) Grand Master in the history of the Republic of Uruguay, Alicia TOYOS | This interview has an exclusive character, being part of the Exclusive Collection of Interviews of the Masonic Agency. The republication (total and/or partial publication) of this interview is strictly prohibited.